[dcarch]

1. Any centrifigul pump will work if the impeller is below water level. You don't really need self-priming.

2. Some submergeable pumps are rated to be underwater and operated by a float switch otherwise motor may overheat. All the others do not need water to operate.

3. Filter is not generally needed, screen is a good idea.

4. Anytime electrical appliances are near water, converting the outlet to GFP outlet is recommended ( and required by Code). It's cheap and safe.

5. This may be a good case for a solar operated water pump. When you have drought, you have sun. Very low capacity, but it keeps on running.
Check out eBay "solar fountain".

dcarch